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Accessories catch up with clothing trends at I.L.M

by Lorenzo Molina — September 13, 2016

The fair for leather goods and accessories I.L.M closed its latest edition yesterday after three days of trading in Offenbach (Germany). 29% of the visitors were foreign ones, a higher ratio than in the previous year. But the total number of show attendants declined this summer edition to 5,900, compared to 6,200 visitors registered at the last winter edition of I.L.M (February 2016).

As a novelty this season, the I.L.M introduced a new hall at Capitol, a historical building located right next to the fair premises at Messe Offenbach. In spite of offering a cozier atmosphere than the rest of the show halls, the concept didn’t succeed at attracting enough visitor traffic, as reported by various exhibitors on the ground. A focus on a certain product category or the participation of a few more well-known exhibitors at Capitol to increase the flow of traffic are recommendable if the show wants to keep the concept for seasons to come. Among the 21 exhibitors at Capitol, Calvin Klein and Marc New York luggage were the two best-known names.

Among the seasonal themes spotted at the show, you can bet on accessories that draw inspiration from the trends setting the agenda in apparel and footwear. But there are as well some other features and items to keep an eye out for in spring/summer’17.